Telescope Specialist

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

TELESCOPE SPECIALIST

• Full-time and part-time positions available

Lowell Observatory seeks applications for the position of Telescope Specialist (TS). The TS is a member

of Lowell’s public outreach team and reports to the Telescopes Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The TS’s principal responsibility is to operate the Observatory’s public outreach telescopes, using them

to conduct stargazing experience for guests during visitor hours. Telescopes include :

The TS will maintain familiarity with the night sky, current astronomical events, and general principles

of astronomy and planetary science. The TS will operate telescopes as assigned during open hours,

primarily but not exclusively in the evening, and will be prepared to assist guests in viewing objects,

provide explanations of what is being observed, and contribute to a positive visitor experience for all

guests.

The TS will engage with the outreach department’s Content staff and with Observatory scientific staff

as needed, to maintain currency with current astronomical events and to continually expand their

knowledge of astronomy and planetary science, in the interest of providing all guests with credible,

accurate, and insightful information about objects being observed. The TS may occasionally be

assigned to conduct stargazing experiences at offsite events, either during or outside of regular visitor

hours.

From time to time, the TS may also be called upon to carry out additional tasks to keep the visitor

programs running smoothly. Such tasks may include, but are not limited to, logistical support in the

Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, the campus facilities, crowd and traffic management

on busy evenings, snow removal from critical guest areas, and other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

and knowledge bases.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree is preferred, especially a degree in Astronomy, a related STEM field, or in education. Types of beneficial experience and skills include experience in education, public speaking, and public facing service industry work, as well as proficiency in multiple languages and in first aid.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires long periods of standing, walking, bending, stretching, reaching, climbing, lifting (up to

40 lbs) and speaking. Moving throughout the campus, on sometimes uneven terrain, often in low light. A

portion of this position is spent outside. You should expect to work outside for extended periods in summer

heat and winter temperatures that frequently drop below freezing.

Status :   Part time (16-29 hours / week) or Full Time (40 hours / week)

Hours :   Part time – variable 16-29 hours per week. Weekly hours may increase during holiday weekends, school breaks, summer season and special events

Full time – 40 hours per week

Benefit Eligible :   Yes

FLSA Classification :   Non-Exempt

Compensation   $21 per hour

Location :   Flagstaff, Lowell Observatory’s Mars Hill Campus

To Apply : Please send the following documents to jobs@lowell.edu

The deadline for application submission is Tuesday, February 18 th

Employment is subject to passing a background check

Lowell Observatory is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Lowell Observatory has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek individuals from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.

Lowell Observatory sits at the base of one of the mountains sacred to indigenous tribes throughout the region. We honor their past, present, and future generations, who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home.

Lowell Observatory is committed to providing access, and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. Our non-smoking campus is at an elevation of 7,200ft / 2200m, and the LDT is 40 miles south of Flagstaff at an elevation of 7,800 ft / 2370m . If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Human Resources office for assistance.

VERSION January 2025

Salary : $21